Privacy Policy

U.S. Department of Transportation
Office of the Historian
1200 New Jersey Ave, SE
Washington, DC 20590-0001

[T]he Act which I sign today is the most important transportation legislation of our lifetime ... It is one of the essential building blocks in our preparation for the future ... Transportation has truly emerged as a significant part of our national life. As a basic force in our society, its progress must be accelerated so that the quality of our life can be improved.

President Lyndon Baines Johnson, signing the DOT Act, October 15, 1966. (photo courtesy of the LBJ Library)

This site includes:

• A Brief History of the United States Department of Transportation
• Biographical Sketches of the Secretaries of Transportation
• Dates of Service: Secretaries, Deputy Secretaries, and Heads of Operating Administrations
• Chronology of Dates Significant to the Origins and History of the US Department of Transportation
• Selected Bibliography
• Other Useful Links

The Departmental Historian is responsible for researching the history of the United States Department of Transportation, providing information to the public, assisting those engaged in research related to the Department, and maintaining this Web site.  Though the historical information on this site is in the public domain, attribution to the Department of Transportation is appreciated.  However, any conclusions expressed on this Web site should not be taken to represent official views of the US Department of Transportation.

I welcome your comments, particularly those that will help to improve this web site. Please don't hesitate to contact me.

R. Dale Grinder
Departmental Historian
US Department of Transportation
Rm. W12-310
Washington, DC  20590

e-mail: dale.grinder@dot.gov